Asian Fish

34 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1 Tel: 3829 9836

Japanese-owned shop full of alternative clothing and homeware. They design and print funky t-shirts with cute fish logos, plus a small selection of interesting bags.

Blue Exchange

187B Hai Ba Trung, Q1

A great selection of simple clothing is packed into each store, including t-shirts, vest tops, shirts and jeans for both guys and girls. Prices are ridiculously cheap.

Chle

Floor 1, 170 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1

Tel: 3912 0162

Vietnamese Russian owned shop, focuses on silk materials. Styles come in forms of

blouses, skirts, dresses to trousers. The clothes caters only to women but they also have a home section and accessories.

Chloe

155 Nguyen Hue, Rex Hotel, Q1

Tel: 6291 3582

The French fashion house’s lure resides in its mix of street chic and luxe appeal. There is definitely something fresh in the Saigon stores range of stock, even if it doesn’t feature as many of the painterly prints as the catwalk collection did.

Dolezza House

124 Pasteur, Q1 Tel: 3821 7724

Hidden away from the main street, this small designer shop houses an array of pretty women’s wear. Sizes are slightly geared towards the locals but rummage through and it’s likely you will find something to fit. They also stock vintage shoes and a tempting selection of jewellery.

ER-Couture

43 Thao Dien, An Phu, Dist 2

Tel: 9 1480 9293 www.er-couture.com

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An exclusive Scandinavian brand offering high-quality designer garments. ER-Couture makes versatile fashion for sophisticated women in European sizes 34-44. Each style is limited edition and can be tailored to individual size, taste and occasion.

Gaya Clothing

1 Nguyen Van Trang, Q1 (Le Lai corner)

Designer Romyda Keth’s collection is situated on the 2nd floor. There are evening dresses aplenty, full flowing skirts and cute strappy tops. If it doesn’t quite fit they’ll be happy to make alterations. Prices vary but generally start around US$90. Also has a small selection of men’s shirts.

Ho Xuan Huong Street, Q3

Known as Second-Hand Street, the row of shops are piled high with random pieces of clothing and accessories. You will no doubt find something that can be classed as vintage and individual. Haggling is essential here.

Labella

85-87 Pasteur, Q1

This mini department store for clothing and accessories has three floors of affordable pieces. The first floor is clothing; second floor takes care of your shoes and bags and the third floor stocks lingerie. A second shop is directly opposite.

Levis

19 – 21 Dong Khoi, Q1

This new flagship store of the popular jeans label stocks the most comprehensive selection of denim wear, accessories and tops, all emblazoned with the trademark label.

Mango

96 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1 Tel: 3824 6624; Unit 22-23-24, 1st floor, Saigon Centre,

Le Loi, Q1 Tel: 3914 7464; 40-42 Nguyen Trai, Q1; Parkson Hung Vuong, Q5

This Spanish fashion label shop is a great place to find lightweight knits with pretty chiffon sleeves and the ever-useful Mango cardigan. They stock a good range of jeans, trousers, lots of bags and some good shoes. There is also an array of printed tees and “going out tops.”

Marc Jacobs

155 Nguyen Hue, Rex Hotel, Q1

Tel: 6291 3580

Uber American designer Marc Jacobs has arrived in Vietnam and is now dressing the label-conscious denizens of Saigon. The shop’s minimalist design carries some, not all, of the current season’s collection.

Mauve           

47 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1 Tel: 3829 6492

Two floors of Japanese-designed clothing, bags and shoes are on show here. Higher-end prices but everything is so well-made that many visitors will feel it’s worth spending that bit extra.

MAI’s

132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1

Tel: 3827 2733

A Vietnamese-Australian designer produces beautiful garments in an equally attractive boutique. The tops are flowing and the prints bold. It’s worth going to the shop just for the fabulous interior design. Rather pricey.

Dan Sinh Market

104 Yersin, Q1

Jam-packed with fantastic memorabilia. Wade through the endless piles of combat pants, jackets, and retro t-shirts. Accessorise your look with a water bottle, dog tags or a canvas backpack.

Ngan

23 Ly Tu Trong, Q1

Newly opened fashion shop with locally-produced clothing. Focuses on a new line of high-quality evening wear for women and casual wear for men.

Orchid Silk

86 Le Loi, Q1 Tel: 3829 9754

Fantastic store for picking up off-the-rail clothing or tailormade designs for men, women and children. They stock loads of material for you to sift through, in all patterns and colours. Prices start at US$15 and go as high as US$70.

Pinko New

146-148-150 Pasteur, Rex Hotel, Q1

Tel: 3827 2240

Pinko, an aptly-named brand in Vietnam (wikipedia the word), recently opened. Find feminine dresses, shoes and tops that are chic but not cheap.

Song

76D Le Thanh Ton, Q1

Valerie Gregori Mckenzie designs and develops eco-friendly, natural, breathable fabrics using only organic dyes and beautiful hand embroidery, perfect for the beach. Dresses sell for VND1.7 million, tops VND700,000 and hats from VND550,000.

Thump          

23 Nguyen Trai, Q1

Australian-based label producing an edgy collection of hip and stylish steetwear here in Saigon. Raw edges and distressed fabrics are used to create t-shirt, shirts and shorts. The t-shirts are adorned with funky slogans with prices starting from US$20.

Thuy Nga Design

7 Lam Son Square, Q1

Located behind the Opera House, this small boutique stocks garments for both men and women. The collection consists of clothing, jewellery and accessories. Prices range from US$30 to over US$100. A second branch at 19 Vo Thi Sau.

United Colors of Benetton

89A Nguyen Trai, Q1

Tel: 3925 7893

This Italian-based label has relocated from their previous location on Hai Ba Trung. The new shop is not as big and has fewer selections than the old location. Pastel-coloured knits and dresses are available with a limited style of accessories.